Syllabus

Math 430, January 12 2009

Introduction Math 430 is an introduction to basic algebraic structures: groups, rings, and fields. Topics will include permutation groups, group and ring homomorphisms, field extensions, and connections with linear algebra.

Prerequisites The prerequisite is Math 429, or equivalent mathematical maturity and experience with linear algebra.

Instructor:

Russ Woodroofe

Cupples I 114

Office hours: Tues 1:00pm - 2:00pm Thurs 1:30pm - 2:30pm + by appt

russw at math,wustl,edu

Textbook Herstein, Topics in Algebra, 2nd ed. I will cover much of chapters 2, 3, and 5.

Grading Your grade will be based on 2 midterm exams and one final exam, together with weekly homeworks and an occasional quiz, in the proportions

Midterm exams

20% each

Final exam

30%

Homework and quizzes

30%

I have scheduled the midterms for Feb 18 and April 1 (in-class). The final is scheduled by the University for May 6th, 10:30am - 12:30pm.

If you are taking the course Pass/Fail, you need to do the equivalent of C- work to pass.